Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic LX5

Below, we are evaluating the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic LX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the ELPH 500 HS (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very similar but the ELPH 500 HS (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The ELPH 500 HS was released 10 months before the LX5 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a short view of how the ELPH 500 HS scores vs the LX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon ELPH 500 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon ELPH 500 HS Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Canon ELPH 500 HS enjoys outer dimensions of 101mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) while the Panasonic LX5 has sizing of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Canon ELPH 500 HS vs Panasonic LX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the ELPH 500 HS versus the LX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ELPH 500 HS and LX5 is 94 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes just by going over specs. The pic underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the ELPH 500 HS and LX5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ELPH 500 HS due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Canon ELPH 500 HS will offer more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ELPH 500 HS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.